Friday, 20 January 2017

Raising Our Voices In Song

"The singer is the life of the soulThe sick man hears him and gets better…And he clears away the darkness of nightLetting light into the eyes of the loversA little, a little”

“Ghannili Shway Shway” (Sing for Me A Little)

Have you ever started work on a project and for a variety of reasons it
never finds its way to completion? Perhaps you became too busy or had
other commitments. Or, as I like to think, the time just wasn’t right
for you to connect with the work. That’s the story of this collage.
Partially finished, I knew it needed something more. But what?

I found the photo of the Egyptian Lady included in a lot of postcards
I purchased. Reminiscent of the haunting Lehnert & Landrock images I
viewed in their shop in Cairo, I wish I knew more about her. How old
was she? Where did she live in Egypt? Was she contented with her life?
If only she could speak!

I can’t think of Cairo without remembering the
blissful feeling of being enveloped by music. From the latest pop tunes
to the classics, music filters through the frenetic streets from taxi
cabs, apartments, markets, and cafes. It is the heart and soul of the
city and its people. And one voice speaks for young and old alike: Oum
Kolthoum. “The Star of the East” as she was known, Oum Kolthoum’s
inimitable musical interpretations united the Arab world as Egypt
declared her a national treasure. But her music reached far beyond,
enthralling audiences around the globe. Regardless of nationality, those
who heard her sing could see a little of themselves reflected in her
passionate performances.

A favourite song of mine is “Ghannili Shway Shway” (Sing for Me A
Little). It was Oum Kolthoum’s first hit and was featured in the 1945
film “Sallama”. The lyrics, forever timeless, pay tribute to the
captivating power of song.

I started the collage by photocopying the postcard on to a piece of very
thin white tissue paper. Taking sheets of watercolour paper, I soaked
them overnight in a bath of tea with a touch of instant coffee. I was
surprised, but happy to see the paper dried to a warm auburn hue. I
printed the lyrics to the song in Arabic and tore the edges to give an
uneven look. Because I was concerned about the ink bleeding when I
attached the elements to my canvas, I sprayed them with a fixative. I
was now ready for the moment of truth. I primed the canvas with gesso
and attached the paper with lyrics first. There was minimal bleeding and
good adhesion. I was hoping it would be the same with the tissue
photocopy. I placed the paper in position and covered it with a light
coat of matte medium. Luckily it didn’t tear and was translucent enough to allow the lyrics to show through.

I wanted a dramatic background. The perfect choice was Artistcellar’s Arabian Nights series.
Inspired by the star patterns of Arabic geometry is there any better
way to celebrate the music of “The Star of the East”? I chose “Celestial”
and added it to my collection of backgrounds in my Strathmore
Mixed-Media journal beginning with sponging Rose Red acrylics and
building layer upon layer as each dried. On aqua tissue I dabbed a
variety of metallic acrylics through a stencil that reminded me of the
windows in my hotel, evoking the blur of colour and light of an early
Cairo morning.

Where inspiration left me the last time I worked on this collage I
was now energised and ready to complete the image. The elements seem to
fall into place. Where would the love of music and a beautiful song take
this woman? I pictured her dreamily gazing at a view of feluccas on the
Nile. Perhaps she was wondering what the future would bring, all the
while waiting to wish on the first evening star.

I truly believe music, as well as art, have the power to unite us. Now more than ever before, we need to raise our voices in song. Together. Regardless of language or genre, one thing is constant. We all search to
find our one special star in the night sky. And when we do, we rejoice
in letting our light shine, reflected in the eyes of those we love.

About Me

Artists, dancers, writers, and poets search for a Muse for guidance, inspiration, passion, and the spark of creativity.

As a member of Sisterhood of the Muse, my Blog is home to the work of artists, and like-minded souls, who hear her voice and allow the fascination to begin.

As a visual artist and dancer, I enjoy exploring the
seduction of spirit and following the journey wherever it may take me. Utilizing a variety of techniques, my work is a
convergence of the traditional with the digital...in both the visual and performing arts.

Above all, I am a great believer in Synchronicity and love the idea that it can lead to the most profound aha moments we can experience in life and in Art.

My desire is to share what inspires me, entertain those who choose to visit, and perhaps spark the sense of wonder and creativity that dwells in us all.